The OIR test is a reasoning test conducted on Day 1 of SSB screening to assess your logical thinking, speed, and problem-solving skills. OIR stands for Officer Intelligence Rating. The test includes basic school-level questions on verbal and non-verbal reasoning, such as number series, analogies, coding-decoding, and patterns. To score high grades, practise regularly, improve accuracy, and manage time effectively. Aim to solve each question within 25–30 seconds to perform well in the test.
The test usually has two booklets:
| Part | Questions (approx.) | Time (approx.) | What it tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal reasoning | 40–50 | 17–30 minutes | Words, numbers, logic |
| Non-verbal reasoning | 40–50 | 17–30 minutes | Shapes, figures, patterns |
The exact count and time change from batch to batch, so always follow the testing officer’s instructions. The OIR is part of the SSB stage that follows the written exams such as NDA, CDS and AFCAT, so it matters for every defence aspirant.
A higher OIR grade means a higher chance of staying in the SSB after Day 1 screening, and OIR-1 is the best rating. The board looks at your rating together with your PPDT performance, mostly when your result is borderline.
The score bands below are commonly shared by SSB mentors. Treat them as a rough guide, because the official cut-offs are not published.
| Rating | Level | Approx. score | Effect on screening |
|---|---|---|---|
| OIR-1 | Outstanding | 90% and above | Strong support if PPDT is average |
| OIR-2 | Excellent | 80–89% | Safe zone |
| OIR-3 | Good | 70–79% | PPDT must be strong |
| OIR-4 | Average | 60–69% | Higher risk of screen-out |
| OIR-5 | Low | Below 60% | Very difficult to continue |
So, aim for OIR-1 or OIR-2. A strong rating also supports your Officer Like Qualities (OLQ) profile during the rest of the SSB.
The OIR syllabus has two parts: verbal reasoning (words, numbers, logic) and non-verbal reasoning (pictures and shapes). Both parts come from Class 10 level reasoning, so regular practice is enough to master them.
Verbal reasoning questions test your ability to read short statements and reach the right answer fast. Practise these topics:
Non-verbal reasoning questions test how well you can see patterns and spatial changes in figures. Focus on these:
Do not skip non-verbal practice. Many candidates are weaker here, so a little extra time can lift your overall rating.
A 30-day plan of daily timed practice is enough to improve speed and accuracy for most aspirants. Follow this simple schedule:
Use a standard reasoning book and previous SSB-style practice sets. Practise on paper, not on a phone, because the real test uses a printed booklet and an OMR sheet. Also read the official updates on Join Indian Army so you know the selection process well.
The most common OIR mistakes are spending too long on one question, leaving bubbles blank and ignoring non-verbal practice. Avoid these errors:
Sleep well before Day 1. A calm mind solves reasoning questions faster.
Cadets Defence Academy in Dehradun helps aspirants prepare for the OIR test through regular practice, mock tests and guidance from experienced mentors. Our students get Day 1 training along with the full SSB process, including PPDT, psychology tests and GTO tasks.
Explore our SSB coaching in Dehradun to practise under real board conditions. If you are preparing for the written exam first, see our NDA coaching, NDA Foundation course or CDS coaching. You can also pick up our defence exam books, and register online for the upcoming batch.
Scoring a high OIR rating becomes easier with smart practice. Learn the verbal and non-verbal topics, use the 3-sweep method, attempt every question, and take timed mocks daily. A strong OIR rating gives you a safer start on Day 1 of the SSB. Start early, stay consistent, and take expert guidance from Cadets Defence Academy, Dehradun, to move closer to your officer dream.
A score of about 80% or more, which usually gives OIR-1 or OIR-2, is considered good. Official cut-offs are not published, so aim as high as you can.
No, the OIR test has no negative marking. Attempt every question, and guess the remaining ones in the last minute.
Each booklet usually has 40 to 50 questions to be solved in about 17 to 30 minutes. The numbers can change with each set, so follow the testing officer’s instructions.
Yes, it is possible, but it is harder. A strong PPDT and good group performance can help, but a high OIR rating gives you a safer start.
Most aspirants need about 30 days of daily timed practice. If your reasoning basics are weak, start 45 to 60 days before the SSB.
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